Northeastern Illinois basketball coach Rees Johnson didn`t expect to get Minson Rubin. Now he has to work on keeping him.
Rubin, who led the National Junior College Athletic Association in field- goal percentage two years ago, hasn`t been as successful in class. Rubin didn`t graduate from Hiwassee Junior College in Madisonville, Tenn., because of personal problems and red-shirted last year at Northeastern.
”He`s a classic underachiever in the classroom,” Johnson said. ”Both his parents are teachers. He comes from a good academic background. He was one of those kids who was given a lot because he was an athlete. They didn`t push him and make him do the right things. That`s what we`ve been able to do.”
Rubin went to summer school this year to improve his record. Now the 6-foot-8-inch, 220-pound junior would like to teach his opponents a few things.
”I feel I`m quicker than the average 6-8 guy,” said Rubin, who averaged 21 points a game at Hiwassee. ”I can maneuver and do things they can`t.”
”He`s extremely quick for his size,” Johnson said. ”I think that`s his biggest asset.”
Opening night: Rubin will have his hands full in Northeastern`s home opener Dec. 4 against U.S. International. Guard Kevin Bradshaw averaged 31.3 points a game last season, second-highest in the nation.
”I`m looking forward to that game,” Rubin said. ”I already know I`ll be guarding (Bradshaw).”
